🔗 Share this article

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Cheer

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.